The Seattle Project and Velocity Dance Center present Here Because, an exhibition celebrating Seattle’s Dance Community
On March 8th and 9th, The Seattle Project and Velocity Dance Center will present their newest showcase, Here Because. This production will feature an array of voices, films, and performances from Seattle's thriving dance community. Amanda Morgan, a prominent Pacific Northwest dancer and co-founder of The Seattle Project alongside Zane Ellis, underscores the driving force behind this exhibition.
"We wanted to bring dancers from different dance institutions and parts of the Seattle dance scene together in a full-length piece to bridge the gaps between dance institutions and show that collaboration should happen more," said Amanda Morgan, Founder of The Seattle Project. "The show is a full-circle moment showcasing what The Seattle Project's mission is about."
Morgan, Symone Sanz, Zsilas Michael Hughes, Jane Cracovaner, and Rodrick Barnes will perform on stage, from group choreography to solos spotlighting each dancer's unique style. Additionally, this exhibit will feature exclusive interviews and insights from esteemed figures in Seattle's dance community, including Donald Byrd of Spectrum Dance Theater, Alice Gosti of Malacarne, Zoe Scofield of the Zoejuniper company, Peter Boal of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Olivier Wevers of Whim W'him.
Moreover, Here Because will feature dance films projected in the background of each performance, offering glimpses into each dancer's personal life, relationship with dance, and vision for the future of dance in Seattle.
"We've interviewed prominent dance leaders in Seattle who have all come to Seattle at different points of their careers, and so we interviewed them about community and what the future of dance looks like," Morgan said. "We're utilizing their interviews and voices in the performance through our audio."
The showcase will explore a variety of themes, with a particular focus on Seattle's rich dance culture. It will include a look at the prospective trajectory of dance culture within the city and the lessons to be learned from trailblazers who have paved the path for upcoming artists.
"Community is a huge one. Also, why Seattle? Why do artists stay in Seattle? Why do dancers stay in Seattle? What keeps us wanting to create here? What makes us different from other cities," Morgan said.
Following Saturday's final performance on March 9, attendees are invited to NetWERK, an artistic networking mixer. For the second year in a row, this event allows guests, creatives, and artists to mingle and foster meaningful connections with the potential for future collaborations.
Here Because will premiere at 12th Ave Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 8th and 9th. Following Saturday's final performance, attendees are invited to NetWERK, an artistic networking mixer. For the second year in a row, this reception allows guests, creatives, and artists to mingle and foster meaningful connections with the potential for future collaborations. To buy tickets for Here Because, click here.
"I'm hoping that even people who have seen our work before that this experience can really have them know me and others in the show a little bit more as people and not just as performers on stage," Morgan said. "I hope they realize how much dance exists in Seattle, why it's really important to support all of it, and to try and get to know other artists here."
